Brazil forward Neymar is sidelined for two to three weeks with a grade two calf injury, casting doubt on his participation in his country’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The 34-year-old sustained the injury shortly after his surprise inclusion in coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for the tournament in North America. He has not featured for Brazil since tearing his ACL in October 2023.
Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the diagnosis after Neymar underwent a full medical examination, including an MRI scan, upon arriving at the team’s training base.
“He arrived at Granja Comary yesterday, underwent a full medical examination, which included an MRI scan that revealed a grade two calf injury, not just swelling,” Lasmar said at a press conference. “He is expected to be fit to play in two to three weeks.”
The setback will rule Neymar out of Brazil’s final pre-tournament friendlies against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6. Brazil opens its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in Group C, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. No immediate decision has been taken on replacing him in the squad as medical staff monitor his recovery.
